Winter Camp Wildflower at Hemlock Neversink: A Creative Retreat for Wedding Pros and Burnt-Out Creatives

Here’s what happened when we traded hustle for heart at our coziest retreat yet.

Imagine this: snow falling quietly outside the windows. An all-women circle wrapped in soft layers, fuzzy socks, and the kind of honesty that hits you right in the chest. A playlist humming in the background (Fleetwood Mac, Maggie Rogers, something ambient and a little witchy). Soup bubbling on the stove. Journals cracked open. And the collective realization that this—this pace, this space—is what we’ve all been craving.

That was Winter Camp 2025, hosted at the stunningly serene Hemlock Neversink in the Catskills of New York. And yeah… we’re still glowing.

The Heart Behind This Camp

We created Winter Camp as a permission slip.

A full-body yes to slow mornings, deep work, honest reflection, and aligned creativity. After the fullness of a heavy wedding season (and, let’s be real, the general chaos of life as a creative human), we needed a space that let us breathe—a place to decompress and come back to ourselves.

This retreat wasn’t about strategy. It wasn’t about productivity. It was about being witnessed—creatively, emotionally, and energetically.

I wanted attendees to walk away feeling clear. Rested. Energized in a slow-burning, soul-lit kind of way. Like they’d been reminded of the “why” behind their work—and the “who” behind their business.

And maybe more than anything, we wanted them to remember that you don’t have to earn rest. You just get to have it.

What This Camp Was Really For

Winter Camp was made for the creative, emotional, multi-hyphenate woman who needed a place to land after a long season of giving, grinding, and holding it all together.

We had wedding pros—photographers, florists, stationers, wedding planners—all craving space to be seen without performing.

Their response? Pure gold.

Here’s what a few of them said:

“The space, the energy, the people—every detail felt like it was designed to nurture the creative soul. I didn’t know how much I needed this until I got here.”
“It felt like the exact reset I was craving—but didn’t know how to ask for.”
“Winter Camp gave me back a part of myself I hadn’t felt in a long time.”

These are the words that keep us going.

So… What Actually Happened?

Let’s talk about the real magic—the moments that weren’t just meaningful, but etched into our bones.

Winter Camp was packed with activities designed to spark creativity, invite play, and offer gentle structure without pressure. Campers flowed through yoga sessions, got hands-on in pasta-making and natural dye classes, created mosaic art, and painted whimsical watercolor “worry gardens.” These weren’t polished, Instagram-perfect workshops. They were tactile, joyful, and deeply grounding—a chance to make something just because.

Even the smallest activities held something sacred. Around the friendship bracelet table, breakout groups formed like clockwork, and soon, people were swapping stories—the good, the chaotic, the deeply human. Wild wedding tales. Client meltdowns. The behind-the-scenes stuff no one talks about. We laughed through it all, shared how we survived, and turned what could’ve been vent sessions into bonding rituals. It was like group therapy disguised as craft hour—and we loved every second.

The goat hike was a definite highlight. It was an unseasonably warm, snow-glazed February day, and we hiked through the woods as a big, giddy group—surrounded by cuddly goats who wandered with us like tiny, chaotic spiritual guides. It was grounding, hilarious, and weirdly magical in the way only nature + animals + deep belly laughter can be.

We also carved out space—on purpose—for rest. One of the most cherished parts of Camp was the built-in spa time. Between facials, massages, and steamy soaks, spontaneous convos bubbled up in the relaxation room and hot tub. Mini masterminds formed without being forced. Ideas flowed. Feelings got shared. It was soft and expansive and affirming all at once.

And we have to talk about the community dinners. Two evenings of beautifully curated, candle-lit meals where campers actually got to enjoy the experience—not plan it, style it, or sneak bites behind the scenes. The tables were set for them this time. With intentionally shuffled seating, the conversations were deep, delightful, and real. We didn’t just eat. We connected. We belonged.

And then there was the PJ dance party—the moment that lives in all of our hearts like a glittery fever dream. Picture a room full of women in their comfiest loungewear, dancing like no one was watching (and cheering like everyone was). Celine Dion blasted. We got sweaty. We got sparkly. We formed a circle and sang our hearts out. It wasn’t just fun—it was liberating. A full-body reminder that joy is sacred too. It felt like a 13-year-old sleepover—but with grown woman energy, great lighting, and no awkward middle school drama.

These weren’t just retreat activities. They were portals. Little doorways back to ourselves—and to each other. And that—more than anything—is what made this Camp unforgettable.

The Unexpected Magic

There were moments we didn’t plan for that ended up being the most memorable. A lot of cozy convos on couches, in the spa relaxation room, a spontaneous mastermind. It was those in-between, serendipitous moments that made this retreat feel like more than a weekend.

We also carved out space—on purpose—for rest. One of the most cherished parts of Camp was the built-in spa time. Between facials, massages, and steamy soaks, spontaneous convos bubbled up in the relaxation room and hot tub. Mini masterminds formed without being forced. Ideas flowed. Feelings got shared. It was soft and expansive and affirming all at once.

It was a shift. A soft reset. A creative homecoming.

The Details That Still Live Rent-Free In Our Minds

Let’s talk about the little things—because wow, they added up.

The meals: Nourishing, warm, and made with love. Think soups, seasonal snacks, and late-night nibbles that felt like the food version of a handwritten love note.

The vibe: Candles, playlists, blankets, and scent-trigger memories we’re still trying to recreate. (Someone said, “It smelled like eucalyptus and emotional safety,” and honestly? We’re putting that on a tote bag.)

The people: Every woman who came brought something essential. It was a room full of intuition, generosity, realness, and belly-laugh energy. No egos, no pressure—just full permission to show up as you are.

The Big Takeaway

The most powerful thing about Winter Camp? It reminded us that rest doesn’t mean you’re doing less. It means you’re doing what matters, with more clarity, intention, and heart.

We don’t need to earn rest. We don’t need to wait until we’ve hit the wall. We can build spaces that nourish us instead of drain us.

And when we do? We create better. We live better. We lead better.

What’s Next

We’re already dreaming up what the next round of Camp Wildflower will hold—more seasons, more themes, more creative rituals that feel like tiny revolutions.

Because this isn’t just a retreat.

It’s a lifestyle shift. A community. A movement. A warm, wild invitation back to yourself.

Wanna Come to Camp?

✨ Join the interest list so you don’t miss what’s next →
📸 Follow along on Instagram for camper stories, playlist peeks & cozy vibes →
🏕️ Explore Hemlock Neversink, our dreamy winter retreat home →

Camp Wildflower is what happens when you stop trying to keep up… and start creating from the inside out.

We’ll be waiting by the campfire—snacks in hand, bunk with your name on it. 🔥